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02/09/2022 11:00 PMOlivia Hwang is only a freshman at Guilford High School, but she’s stepping up in a major way for the girls’ ice hockey squad. Olivia was recently sprung into the starting goalkeeper’s role with the Grizzlies, and she’s performing well between the pipes.
Olivia has been starting in net for Guilford since senior captain goalie Julia McDonald suffered an injury. Olivia wasn’t expecting to be thrown into the spotlight, but she’s holding her own and then some, while receiving a ton of support from her teammates, including McDonald.
“I was a little nervous when Julia first got injured, as it was my first high school game. Ever since Julia went down with her injury, the team and the coaches have been extremely supportive,” says Julia. “Julia has also been extremely supportive, despite her injury. She truly is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I hope Julia makes a swift recovery, so she can finish out her senior season strong.”
In a recent contest, Olivia stopped 12 shots to help the Grizzlies get a 7-1 victory against the Hamden co-op squad on Feb. 3. Olivia is enjoying the experience of playing high school hockey after starting with the sport five years ago.
“I was always around hockey growing up, because my brother and dad played,” Olivia says. “One day, when I was about 9, I was watching my brother’s game and he was a goalie, so that’s what I decided I wanted to do.”
Olivia’s favorite aspects of hockey are the speed and intensity of the sport. Olivia gets a lot of joy simply from being in the goalkeeper’s crease.
“I love the game. I love the speed of the game and the sound skates make when they’re gliding across the ice,” says Olivia. “I also love the sense of family and connection you get with your teammates. Your team becomes your second family, and I’ve made some of my best friends through hockey.”
One of Olivia’s first appearances with Guilford came when the Grizzlies faced off against the Masuk co-op team on Jan. 28. Olivia and McDonald both played in that game, and the freshman made 11 saves with no goals allowed in a 6-1 Grizzlies’ victory.
“My favorite moment as a player would probably be my very first shutout in net,” Olivia says. “Jumping into the game without starting was tough, and I had to work really hard to get where I am now, so that pride of it all paying off made it one of my favorite moments.”
Head Coach Rick Binkowski is pleased with how Olivia is progressing this season. Binkowski says that Olivia is learning a lot about how to play goal from McDonald, and he views that as a great opportunity for the freshman netminder.
“Our team is very lucky to have Olivia Hwang join this season. She’s a great goalie with a good skill base and is a very hard worker. She has a great attitude and is always willing to learn. She’s always trying to get better, and she’s always looking for feedback,” says Binkowski. “It’s not easy being a backup goalie, but Olivia is always focused on getting better, and she has a wonderful role model in our starting goalie Julia McDonald. Being that our starting goalie is a senior, I feel very confident that we will be in good hands when she graduates with Olivia here.”
Olivia gives credit to Coach Binkowski for helping her progress as a goalie. Olivia appreciates that Binkowski is always encouraging her to succeed.
“Coach Rick has been extremely supportive throughout my freshman season, always giving me advice on improvement and encouraging me to stay positive and work hard,” Olivia says. “All my coaches have been supportive and have motivated me to play my absolute best. They all know what they’re talking about and implement it in their coaching.”
Olivia is eager to see what the Grizzlies can accomplish as they head into the home stretch of their season. Olivia’s hopes are to help Guilford claim an SCC title and, ultimately, win a state championship.
“My expectations this season are to play my best and to help the team, no matter what, and to eventually make it to the SCC and then the state tournament,” says Olivia. “I think this season has been going really well. All the girls are willing to dig deep and play their absolute best, which is all that matters, win or lose.”